How jaggery can help protect your lungs from Delhi's air: Weight loss, 4 other health benefits

Below are some of the surprising health benefits of having jaggery - which is made from the juice of sugarcane and heated to produce thick crystals - you can easily find in any grocery store.

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New Delhi: Jaggery, or 'gud' in Hindi, has been used for years all around the world. In fact, this magic food from our granny's kitchen is loaded with components that are beneficial for your health in a number of ways.

Health benefits of jaggery

Below are some of the surprising health benefits of eating jaggery - which is made from the juice of sugarcane and heated to produce thick crystals - you can easily find in any grocery store:

Prevents respiratory problems

Actually just having a piece of this healthy sweetener every day can do wonders for your health, especially if you are residing in the Delhi-NCR region, which has been grappling with severe smog and air pollution for the past few days. Read: Air pollution - Five foods that can reduce harmful effects of smog That's because jaggery contains numerous therapeutic properties that help remove toxins from your body, thereby acting as a cleansing agent. It has been shown that jaggery can effectively cleanse the respiratory tracts, lungs, food pipe, stomach, and intestines. Experts suggest that consuming this natural sweetener on a regular basis can help prevent many respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, etc. Read: Delhi air pollution - 10 tips to stay safe and healthy

Improves digestion

Eating jaggery after a heavy meal or eating meat can help speed up the digestion and make the digestive process smooth. By stimulating the digestive enzymes and functioning as an acetic acid in the stomach, jaggery helps prevent many digestive problems. Red: 5 foods that can get rid of bloated bellies

Keeps diseases at bay

Jaggery is packed with anti-oxidants, selenium in particular, which help in preventing the various effects of free radicals on your body. Hence, consuming jaggery keeps various diseases and ailments away and, in addition to slowing down the signs of aging and treating and preventing many skin problems such as acne and pimples.

How jaggery can help protect your lungs from Delhi's air: Weight loss, 4 other health benefitsDescription:Below are some of the surprising health benefits of having jaggery - which is made from the juice of sugarcane and heated to produce thick crystals - you can easily find in any grocery store. Times Now